When the summer heat hits heavy, nothing seems better to a Louisianan than a spot of shade—especially if it comes with an awesome outdoor kitchen and patio. That’s why Paula and Phil Brantley wanted to invest in more than a regular backyard, transforming their outdoor space into a functional and comfortable retreat.

Thanks to the collaborative team of Eric C. Smith and Justin W. Baker, founders of Smith and Baker, the space makes use of more than a few tricks that combine style and function.

“The Brantleys requested plenty of counter space and storage,” says Smith, who designed the cooking station in what he calls a “Southern traditional” environment, with warm woods and bricks, but with a contrasting cool-tone floor.

The tall height of the vaulted ceiling was also designed with the climate in mind, allowing cool air to circulate through the space and making sure that guests can grill and watch sports without the buffeting of too-fast fans.

To learn more about this space and others featured on the Junior League of Baton Rouge’s Kitchen Tours, check out our article in the May issue, available on newsstands now.